Teddy Bridgewater - The Big Catch

by Helen Sowell

Louisville’s true freshman quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, has the “it factor” according to Offensive Coordinator Shawn Watson. He competes in everything he does from the classroom to the gridiron and leads like a general despite being just 18 years old. The Miami native came to Louisville via Northwestern High where he set the Dade County record for the most touchdown passes in a game with seven. The dual-threat tosser has the size and athleticism to thrive standing 6’2’ and weighing 193 pounds. As a high school senior, Bridgewater threw for 2,606 yards and 22 TD’s but also rushed for 223 yards and eight more scores.

Initially committing to Miami (The U), Bridgewater decommitted once then head coach, Randy Shannon, was fired. He was heavily recruited by Louisville but also Alabama, Auburn, Florida, USF and West Virginia, among others. After enrolling early with the Cardinals and going through spring practice, which he felt was essential to learning the playbook and being prepared to lead, Teddy was assigned the back-up slot to Will Stein when the season began. But all that preparation has paid dividends.

Bridgewater has raw athleticism but also a work ethic that distinguishes him among his teammates. He’s humble yet confident, instinctual and wise beyond his years. He trusts his coaches and the Cardinal system becoming very close to OC Watson, who calls all the plays. When his number was called during the 3rd game of the season against Kentucky, he sparked the Cards to s 24-17 win going 10 of 18 for 106 yards and two TD’s. Three losses followed but Teddy continued to improve heading into exclusive and critical league play.

The second half of the season has showcased his growth as Louisville has taken five of their last six games most impressively defeating then #24 host West Virginia, 38-35, for which he was named Rivals.com National Freshman of the Week. In that sixth straight start he went 21 of 27 for a career-high 246 yards and a TD leading the Cards to their first win over a ranked opponent since 2008.

The frosh finished the regular season with 1,855 yards, has 12 TD’s completing 66% of his passes and averaging 154.6 yards per game. He is the first-ever five star player in the Cardinal program history and living up to all expectations thus far. He believes in slowing down, trusting the system and letting the game come to him.

Louisville landed a big fish now let’s see how far they can run with him.